Venture into the Southern Grampians and find yourself in the historical township of Hamilton, the heart of Victoria’s agriculture industry. This lovely town is no exception to the beauty and adventure the Grampians are famous for and offers both a breathtaking destination, as well as an interesting journey on the way. Just two-and-a-half hours from Ballarat and Geelong, Greater Hamilton provides space to breathe in the surroundings of rich history, art and culture.
Once arriving in Hamilton, visitors can fill their day with the wealth of experiences and sights Hamilton has to offer. As a town that celebrates its history and culture, visitors can pop into a wide range of attractions, from surprising and insightful locations like the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum to the rich and ever-changing exhibitions at the Hamilton Art Gallery. Petschel House, in its original bluestone glory, offers a Studio Gallery and Garden open to explore. For families, the Lakes Edge Adventure Park promises more than 90 different experiences, from rope pyramids to climbing walls.
Hamilton is not only steeped in history, art, and culture, it also has a bustling hospitality scene and is home to many cafes offering great coffee and local treats. Dine in at one of Hamilton’s many charming eateries including Roxburgh House Cafe and Bar. Set in a majestic bluestone two-storey building and laneway, they offer local wines, craft beer and lots of tasty share plates to compliment their famous Italian style pizza. Rox coffee is roasted in-house and served to perfection by Roxburgh's passionate baristas. The cakes and lunches are all made in house, sourced from local produce.
Check out the AAt 28 Goldsmith Motel to extend your visit over a few days, allowing time to discover and explore the other hidden gems of the Southern Grampians. The family-owned and operated AAt 28 Goldsmith Motel offers a friendly, country welcome that makes you feel instantly at home. The motel offers 15 spacious motel rooms and a three-bedroom self-contained apartment.
If wide open space is more your scene, take a short detour from the Glenelg Highway and unwind with an outdoor activity such as fishing, taking a scenic picnic or a barbeque at the stunning Nigretta Falls, a small waterfall fed by the Wannon River.
The charming village of Dunkeld is a must-see stop for visitors on the way to or from Hamilton. Visit the Royal Mail Hotel to experience one of regional Victoria’s best restaurants, Wickens or its more casual bistro Parker Street Project and if you feel like it, extend your stay with their gorgeous accommodation options at the foot of Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri). Grab a quick bite for the trip ahead at Izzy’s Café, or pick up some local produce at Grampians Providore to take on your trip (and some extras for home, too). Art lovers will be delighted to discover hidden gems at Ros McArthur Art Studio in the Victoria Valley. Another must-visit is Gerard Murphy Furniture, a local artisan who creates beautiful bespoke pieces of furniture. Southern Grampians Cottages offer the perfect place to extend your stay, with charming self-contained accommodation among beautifully maintained gardens and stunning mountain views.
Penshurst, just 20 minutes from Hamilton, is home to the ancient volcano Mount Rouse, rising 100 metres above the surrounding volcanic plain. The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre and Rock Garden is a unique museum experience, where hands-on, interactive displays enable visitors to learn about volcanoes, with a particular focus on those in the Western District.
